We have this ongoing debate on our jobsite about OSB. I say the rough side should go out. This is the side that the lines are on. The smooth side says “This Side Down”. That should settle it right? ya, you don’t know this guy I work with.
Ok, I read somewhere (GP, LP, Boise Cascade, somewhere I don’t remember where), that the smooth side on OSB is NOT a weather barrier. The rough side was made that way to walk on. This way on a roof you have more traction. Am I wrong? I’m trying to find it in writing again. This guy says that the rough side creates more friction between the OSB and the studs, therefore it is better to install the rough side in. I’ve heard this from others too, but I’ve never seen it in writing.
We use the OSB Bullnose for our treads (under carpet) and I feel that the rough side should be up. It provides more traction when you climb the stairs during construction.
Does anyone know where I can find this in writing?
Replies
NEVER install it rough side down unless you want a one-way ticket off the roof on your head. Rough side is ALWAYS up for safety period. Even on a 3/12, add a little saw dust and you get on heck of a slip-n-slide. I've seen more than once, and it still makes me shake my head.
This guy says that the rough side creates more friction between the OSB and the studs
never heard that one before.
Rough side out...thats why the lines are there on 16" and 24" centers. Acording to Bob Villa anyway, during a tour of an OSB factory, they said the smooth side is created beacuse the bottom of the press that makes the material happens to be smooth, creating a smooth side of OSB. Nothing weather resistant.
It's in writing on every sheet I've seen.What more could you want? Also IMHO a sheathed house looks alot neater without the random spec stamps on the outside. And friction between the studs and the sheets? You are supposed to use nails. ;)
cheers ........Rik........
And friction between the studs and the sheets? You are supposed to use nails. ;)
Dywall screws, DRYWALL SCREWS!!!
_______________________
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Your mileage may vary ....
I've been at the APA website for the last hour and there is some great reading there.
Ok, I looked at the back issues of JLC, the data at LP's website, and articles about OSB at the APA website. Anyone want to take a wild guess as to why there is a rough side on OSB? Hmm no one will go out on a limb here eh? :-)
Because it makes for better traction. Holy Cow! Talk about Rocket Science! (read massive amounts of sarcasm dangerous for the circulatory system)
Ok, now isn't it wild that there are some guys argue until they are blue in the face, but have zero (0) idea of what they are talking about? Today my framing partner and I were laughing about this so we pretended we are having an argument and had the framer with 25 years experience settle it. Well he believed that the smooth side was a weather coating and the rough side allowed more "friction". Needless to say he isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.
I am surprised at the number of comments that keep coming.
Oh yeah, I asked him, "I thought that the nails were what held the sheathing onto the wall or roof, can I reduce the nailing schedule then?"
Sorry, I don't have any online sources for the "official" info you need.
I do, however, have my 2 cents to toss your way. I had the same ongoing arguement with the same "wouldn't believe what it says on the sheathing " guy. I finally was able to prove my point when we had some osb that had gotten rained on for several days straight. one sheet was laying smooth side up and the other was laying rough side up. all other variables were equal. When the two sheets started to dry up the smooth one started to completely delaminate while the rough one was completely intact. It didn't change my buddies contrary nature, but it did finally shut him up about this specific issue.
Tim,
Hey, go put up some OSB on about an 8 in 12 roof slick side up and then have that guy felt it! I have never heard of what he is talking about...once it's nailed to the studs, does it really matter how much "friction" it has? LOL I hope this guy ain't leading any crews for ya.
Quality before Quantity
The best explanation I've heard on this is basically what you've already said - The rough side give more traction on roofs when you're walking them.
The only other intelligent thought I've heard is that the grade stamp should go down, so the building inspector can see it when he does a framing inspection.
Marriage is the chief cause of divorce.
I had a building inspector tell me that they need to see the stamp without going up on the roof.
I guess they need to ensure the use of high quality materials like 7/16 osb <g>. CARPEnter DIEM